Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford sat down for an interview with Roger Bennett, host of the "Men in Blazers" podcast. He discussed his team's title aspirations and his excitement when Kane won the Ballon d'Or, and answered a series of fun football-related questions.
Roger: Please welcome legendary goalkeeper, Mr. Pickford!
Pickford: Hello, Roger.
Roger: How are you doing? Jordan, first, a question from a fan named "H" in the Men in Blazers community: Coaches and players always say that the secret to success is staying calm. But you are clearly the kind of player whose emotions can skyrocket at any moment during a game. How do you detach yourself from that high-intensity state after a match? Do you have a set way to relax?
Pickford: Yes, to fully relax after a game, I have my wife Megan and our three children. So I switch to "dad mode" and enjoy time with them. My other way to relax is golf. I love playing a round of golf.
Roger: I love that. Dad mode, golf mode, team savior mode! Jens from North Dakota writes in to ask: When asked how he would build the perfect goalkeeper, former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart once said he would choose Jordan Pickford's reflexes. How much of a save is pure instinct, and how much is anticipation and thinking on the spot?
Pickford: Close-range saves do rely heavily on reflexes, Roger. I think reflexes account for the vast majority of those saves. For long-range shots, it's not entirely about reflexes. It's more about timing and positioning. So against those quick, flat, sudden close-range shots, you have to rely on extreme instinctive reactions. Hart's assessment is very accurate in that regard.
Roger: Jordan, if you could take one quality from any goalkeeper in the history of world football, what would you choose? Which goalkeeper would it be?
Pickford: That's a good question. I've never thought about it before... I haven't memorized any lines today, Roger, it's all from the heart. Everton has had many great goalkeepers in its history, such as Neville Southall and Tim Howard. When I first joined Everton, Stekelenburg and Robles were also on the team.
There are so many excellent goalkeepers, both legends from history and current players who are legends in their own right, that it's hard to pick just one or pinpoint a specific person.
Roger: GrapeBanes from our community asks: Everton forward Thierno Barry seems to score goals just to perform those classic dance celebrations: the Dougie, the Nae Nae, the running man. Does he practice these moves on the training ground, or do you see them for the first time on the pitch?
Pickford: I think he practices them at home himself, watching videos, right? He certainly hasn't done them here. In regular training, I haven't let him score that many goals, Roger!
Roger: Have you ever imagined how great it would be if goalkeepers also got to run to the corner flag for a signature celebration?
Pickford: I wouldn't do those dances, honestly. Who would do that?
Roger: You'd definitely do the "worm"! Jordan Pickford doing the worm on the floor, oh my god, I'd love to see that...
Pickford: Brother, if I were to dance, I'd give you a wrestler's "People's Elbow"!
Roger: Jordan Coleman asks: it's well known that you work with a mental coach, maybe even Seamus Coleman's brother! You once said that you can talk to your coach for three hours a day for three consecutive days. What exactly does a mental coach do? What do you talk about? And how does it help you achieve breakthroughs on the field?
Pickford: It's really about talking through how your week went, starting with the most basic daily routine, then practicing visualization with game footage to help you see the bigger picture. The core of it is adjusting your mindset so you consistently bring out your best self.
Roger: Jane Crutendon asks: Jordan, you've been with Everton for over nine seasons. From the heart, what specific qualities do you love about this club that make you willing to dedicate the peak years of your career to it and fight for it?
Pickford: Along the way, I've learned a lot, both as a player and in life. When I first came, I was dating Megan, and now we're married with three children. The club genuinely embraced my little family and welcomed us into the Everton family. The people here are loving, and they all really like my children, which made the whole adjustment incredibly smooth.
When you feel that atmosphere of unity and experience being deeply cared for by everyone, as the Everton fans have done with me, you feel it's all worth it. But I have to give back to them. I have to show the best Jordan Pickford on the field to repay their trust. We have a tight bond and a shared passion, and because of that, we can love each other so deeply.
Roger: We haven't lifted a trophy in these years. We've dreamt about it and also suffered through relegation battles. Are trophies important to you? After so many ups and downs, what would it mean to you to finally lift a trophy with this club?
Pickford: Trophies are absolutely crucial. This club is so hungry for success, and we start every season with the ambition of winning a title. I think everyone knows how difficult it has been to stay in the Premier League in recent years. But now the club is gradually stabilizing, and I think it's time to take the next step. Everyone dreams of winning the league, and everyone wants to win every game in front of them, but you have to stay clear-headed and realistic. For us players, the questions are: how do we qualify for European competition? How do we lift a trophy?
There's only one Premier League title to win, and if that doesn't work out, we have to fight for European qualification. In addition, there are two cup competitions to contend for each season, and you have to do your utmost to seize every opportunity to lift a trophy.
Roger: Tjad57 asks: You've forged your own career path, and so has your England teammate Kane. Watching him win the Ballon d'Or, as a close friend, how did you feel at the time?
Pickford: I was screaming like crazy at the TV! I was absolutely ecstatic for him. In past years, I haven't really paid much attention to the Ballon d'Or because it was usually Messi or Ronaldo, so there wasn't much suspense. But this year was really captivating, with Harry, Yamal and others on the shortlist.
For me, watching the awards ceremony and hearing their stories was very interesting. Seeing them win and then talk about where they came from and how hard they worked, I think it's an incredibly inspiring message for everyone around the world and for all the kids who dream of becoming footballers.
That fighting spirit is more important than anything. And of course, when I saw Harry lift the trophy, I roared and cheered wildly at the TV.
Roger: If there were a five-penalty shootout on the training ground against Kane, do you think you could win?
Pickford: What do you mean, me taking five against him, or...?
Roger: He's actually quite good in goal! You take five, he takes five, what would the outcome be?
Pickford: I'd bet on myself to win 5-4. I wouldn't miss a single one, and I'm confident I could save one of his penalties.
Roger: If there were a match of 11 Pickfords against 11 Grealishs, who would win?
Pickford: Well, I'd definitely back my own side, no question about that!
Roger: What would the match be like? What would the final score be?
Pickford: I reckon all 11 Pickfords would have to be carried off the field, completely exhausted! All 11 Pickfords would have cramp in their legs, let's just say that, Roger! But I firmly believe one thing: if I shoot with my left foot against a goal guarded by Grealish, scoring is quite easy.
Roger: Amazing! Can't wait to see your worm dance! Jordan, I wish you, your family, your golf game, your team, and the upcoming new season all the best. Thanks, brother.
Pickford: Thanks, Roger.